Teacher certification is available to Lawrence students, alumni, and graduates from other colleges and universities.  This page provides an overview of Lawrence's approach to teacher education.  Detailed requirements can be found in the pages under "Teacher Certification" in the navigation menu.  Graduate (non-degree) students should browse this website and call the Education Department at (920) 832-6714 for more information.

Why Teach?

Why become a teacher?  Maybe you want to pursue a passion in math, history, the arts or some other subject.  Perhaps you seek a lifestyle compatible with summer research or travel and with raising a family.  Most importantly, you like working with young people and want to contribute to the future good of the community.

Why Choose a Liberal Arts Approach to Teacher Education?

Teaching is art, craft, and profession rolled into one.  Lawrence's liberal arts approach to teacher education prepares educators to ask "why" and not simply "what" or "how," to turn a critical eye on the world their students inhabit, and to meet new challenges as they arise.  We believe the most effective teachers master their subjects, know how their subjects relate to other fields, and commit themselves to a lifetime of learning.  They also articulate a philosophy of education that guides their decision-making, use the best pedagogical techniques available, and think critically about their practice.

In Lawrence's teacher education program, students:

  • acquire a broad education in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences (that is, in the liberal arts)
  • achieve intellectual depth by majoring in the subject they intend to teach (or any subject for elementary certification)
  • gain expertise in educational theory and practice through coursework and practical experience in classroom settings

Our program prepares Lawrence graduates to teach in diverse settings, to connect their subject matter with broad human concerns, and to help their students develop and find purpose in their lives.

Certification Areas

Early Childhood through Middle Childhood (Grades PreK-6)

Students who want to teach elementary school can choose any major in the college or conservatory and complete their certification through teacher education courses and a 5th-year apprenticeship.

Early Adolescence through Adolescence (Grades 5-12)

Students who want to teach middle or high school can choose any of the following majors:

  • English
  • Social Studies: History, Government, Economics, Psychology, or Anthropology
  • Science: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or Environmental Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science

Broad-field certification in social studies or science is available to those who supplement their major with additional courses.

Early Childhood through Adolescence (Grades K-12)

Students can pursue special-field certification (grades K-12) in any of the following majors:

  • Studio Art
  • Music (as a music education major in the Conservatory)
  • Theatre Arts
  • Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, or Latin
  • English as a Second Language (with the Teaching ESL minor in linguistics)

Program Standards

Lawrence’s liberal arts approach to teacher education is in accordance with Certification Rules PI 34 of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  Lawrence students must demonstrate mastery of the 13 Teacher Education Program Standards to complete the program and be certified for licensure.  These standards incorporate the Wisconsin Teacher Standards (PI 34.02) with added standards for understanding the discipline's connections with the liberal arts and sciences and understanding the role of education in a democracy and the relationship between school and society.  To view the standards, click "Program Standards" in the navigation menu.

EPP Annual Report

Lawrence is included in the Wisconsin Department of Instruction's annual report on educator preparation programs.  As a selective liberal arts college, Lawrence attracts students from across the country and around the world.  Many of our graduates apply for a Wisconsin license and then seek a teaching license in their home state or employment overseas, where they are often among the top-ranked teachers in their schools.

Title II Report

Lawrence meets the reporting requirements of Section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act. Our pass rate is 100%. Copies of the most recent report are available from the Education Department chair.